The 230-condominium Westin Monache Resort (pronounced “mon-ah-she”), will be the first full-service property in a region becoming increasingly popular with not only its loyal Southern California following, but also vacationers from around the country. One of the fastest-growing mountain destinations in North America, Mammoth is located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains (south of Reno, NV and northeast of Los Angeles). The resort is one of the top three most visited ski areas in the U.S. and California’s most popular four-season mountain destination. In addition, Mammoth ranked in the top 10 for Skiing Magazine’s Top 25 Resorts for the ‘06/’07 season, and has been ranked the number one overall resort in North America by TransWorld.

The Westin Monache Resort will offer an ideal location in The Village at Mammoth, adjacent to Mammoth Mountain’s 15-passenger express gondola. Among its many amenities, the new property will include panoramic views of the mountains; a full service restaurant; 24-hour room service; ski valet and rental shop; a pool and hot tubs; fitness facilities; underground parking; and more than 2,000-square-feet of meeting space. The property will feature a contemporary elegance that redefines mountain lodging.

“The eagerly anticipated opening of this newest Mammoth Lakes hotel is part of the town’s drive to become a vacation destination on par with some of the finest mountain resorts in the world,” said James McGillivray, general manager of the Westin Monache Resort. “The Westin brand is one recognized internationally for its renewing accommodations and superior service.”

The Westin is the next step in Mammoth’s renaissance, and will complement the already existing facilities at The Village at Mammoth, a driving force behind the area’s redevelopment. The Village’s design borrowed from European alpine ski towns and includes year-round activities and attractions, plus unique shops, fine restaurants, exciting nightlife and special events.

The Westin Monache Resort is the third venture between Intrawest and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. – Westin’s parent company – following The Westin Resort and Spa at Tremblant, Quebec, which opened in 2000 and The Westin Trillium House at Blue Mountain in Ontario, which opened fall 2005.

“Intrawest has a proven track record of developing superior mountain and warm weather destinations,” said Sue Brush, senior vice president of Westin Hotels & Resorts. “They also share our commitment to quality and creating memorable guest experiences.”

The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth is scheduled to open this fall. For more information contact Rebecca Broz, director of sales & marketing at 760-934-7306 or via email at RBroz@WestinMammoth.com.

About Intrawest

Intrawest is a world leader in experiential destination resorts. The company has interests in eleven resorts at North America’s most popular mountain destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Intrawest network also includes Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida and Club Intrawest—a private resort club with nine locations throughout North America. In addition, Intrawest develops real estate at its resorts and at other locations across North America and in Europe. Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.intrawest.com

About Westin Hotels & Resorts

Westin Hotels & Resorts, with more than 135 hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) and was voted the number one upper-upscale hotel brand for three years in Business Travel News’ “Annual U.S. Hotel Chain Survey.” Starwood is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 750 properties in more than 80 countries and 110,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com